Jesus said, ‘My kingdom is not of this world.’ ~ John 18:36

Early next month we will elect a new president. I don’t know about you, but to say that I have grown weary of the endless commercials, direct mailings, radio ads and everything in between, regarding the candidates, would be a gross understatement.  As my brother-in-law shared on Instagram, regarding the debate (if that’s what you want to call it), “you can figure out for yourself who might have won the debate.  However, there is no doubt that the biggest losers were the American people.” I could not agree more. How about you? As is always the case every four years, I/we will be glad when it is over.

There can be no doubt that it is a great privilege and responsibility to vote, and so we will.

It is a sad and tragic reality that we can no longer have a civil discourse, with respect for the “other side’s” opinion, regarding politics, in the American Market Place.” The discourse is inflamed, provocative, caustic and mean- spirited on both sides, in many instances. Much of this is promoted by the main-stream media, social media and any other media you want to name. Families and friends can be – have been torn asunder because of political disagreements. This is sad and very foolish.

It is easy to get drawn into this vortex. We have our personal opinions and posturing. As Christians, to be sure, we are to vote based upon our Christian values. However, it is important to remember that the government is not a Christian entity. It is at the “top of the food chain” in the Kingdom of the Left. That is to say, the Kingdoms of the world.

We have a dual citizenship as Christians. We are citizens of the Kingdom of the Left (the world) and the Kingdom of the Right (Christ’s Kingdom). So, where do you think your most important citizenship is? The answer is obvious, isn’t it? We need to temper things that go on in the Kingdom of Left through the prism of the fact that we are primarily citizens of the Kingdom of the Right. Why? Because one of them is eternal and the other isn’t.

Before Pilate Jesus says, My kingdom is not of this world. Jesus came to save all who are part of the Kingdom of the Left so that they could made a part of The Kingdom of the Right. Such is the blessing that Jesus has given you. Jesus’ primary concern is people not politics. Ours should be the same as His disciples. His Church on earth is a mediating place – a place for all who love and believe in Him, regardless of their politics. In this Kingdom our focus is on higher things, more important things, eternal things.

As we/you move through this month – as you watch the polls, listen to the candidates, talking-heads, pundits and anyone else, move along the middle path. Remember the greater citizenship. Jesus shed His blood, gave His life on the cross, defeated death that you can made a part of this Kingdom. He said it all to Pilate: My Kingdom is not of this world.

Until next time (the last time),
PTK